"Despite Kpop idols' past controversial behaviors, their loyal fandoms continue to show support, even though there's yet to be proof of growth or change. This lets them think that it's okay for them to act this way publically and not only not apologize for their actions." --Jayden Baasansuren, 9th grade
Despite Kpop idols' past controversial behaviors, their loyal fandoms continue to show support, even though there's yet to be proof of growth or change. This lets them think that it's okay for them to act this way publically and not only not apologize for their actions.
For example, Wendy, a member of the 5 person girl group Red Velvet openly showed racism towards the black community. Although Wendy was born in Korea she lived in the United States most of her life before moving to Canada, which shows that she was diverse in other cultures, Wendy continuously mocked the black community and has shown no change or remorse for her actions. She still hasn't apologized for her controversy. Fans still show support for her knowing what she did was wrong. Wendy is praised for her talented vocal skills, being in a big group, and is one of the best vocalists in the industry some of her fans truly dont care about her actions.
Namjoon, the leader of the hit boy group BTS has also done some problematic things in the past like saying racial slurs, colorist jokes, and cultural appropriation. Namjoon wore cornrows and had an afro willingly, and along with his group BTS was rapping along to a song and all said a racial slur and posted it on the internet. Despite colorist jokes towards others and fellow members of his group, a fan base as big as BTS’ can resort to trying to hide or gaslight newer fans into thinking there is nothing wrong with his actions. While Namjoon did apologize, all the jokes and racism towards black people still aren't okay.
This shows how far fandoms are willing to go, to protect their favorite groups, gaslighting newer fans into thinking there's nothing wrong with the group. The fandoms influence fans in ways that you can’t see, hiding all the issues that they caused alone. Fandoms should be clear and should be a safe space for people that like the same thing to join and have fun.
People know they are gatekeeping and hiding all these groups’ past actions away from newer fans and people who just want to know who they're supporting. Doing research on a group you are starting to like is important, to see what they did in the past and if they’ve apologized for their actions, because the fandoms won’t do it for you.
People should also know how to separate art from artists. It's a big deal already for people to support problematic groups that dont have the intent to apologize deeply for their hurtful actions.
For example, Wendy, a member of the 5 person girl group Red Velvet openly showed racism towards the black community. Although Wendy was born in Korea she lived in the United States most of her life before moving to Canada, which shows that she was diverse in other cultures, Wendy continuously mocked the black community and has shown no change or remorse for her actions. She still hasn't apologized for her controversy. Fans still show support for her knowing what she did was wrong. Wendy is praised for her talented vocal skills, being in a big group, and is one of the best vocalists in the industry some of her fans truly dont care about her actions.
Namjoon, the leader of the hit boy group BTS has also done some problematic things in the past like saying racial slurs, colorist jokes, and cultural appropriation. Namjoon wore cornrows and had an afro willingly, and along with his group BTS was rapping along to a song and all said a racial slur and posted it on the internet. Despite colorist jokes towards others and fellow members of his group, a fan base as big as BTS’ can resort to trying to hide or gaslight newer fans into thinking there is nothing wrong with his actions. While Namjoon did apologize, all the jokes and racism towards black people still aren't okay.
This shows how far fandoms are willing to go, to protect their favorite groups, gaslighting newer fans into thinking there's nothing wrong with the group. The fandoms influence fans in ways that you can’t see, hiding all the issues that they caused alone. Fandoms should be clear and should be a safe space for people that like the same thing to join and have fun.
People know they are gatekeeping and hiding all these groups’ past actions away from newer fans and people who just want to know who they're supporting. Doing research on a group you are starting to like is important, to see what they did in the past and if they’ve apologized for their actions, because the fandoms won’t do it for you.
People should also know how to separate art from artists. It's a big deal already for people to support problematic groups that dont have the intent to apologize deeply for their hurtful actions.
